The 2020 Skoda Rapid automatic is finally here, and the compact sedan now comes with a new 6-speed torque converter, mated to the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. We got to spend some time with it recently, here's everything you need to know about it.
The Skoda Rapid was first launched in 2011 in India and after 9 years there's a lot that has changed. Available only in petrol now, does the small displacement engine, do justice to this compact sedan? We drive it to find out
Like the Octavia, the Skoda Rapid has also been an underrated car and we strongly believe that the Czech based car manufacturer should have introduced this facelift at least a year ago, but well, better late than never.
Today, I had the opportunity to drive the updated Rapid, which is actually the same car only with a new engine and a new transmission on the 'optional' list. The new Rapid gets a 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic that also underpins the updated VW Vento.
Skoda India has launched the Rapid Ultima - a special edition of the car at a starting price of Rs 8.30 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Launched in two variants, the special edition will be available across all Skoda authorized dealerships for a limited period only.
Skoda India has introduced new features on the 2017 Skoda Rapid in a bid to keep the model fresh amidst rivals. For the 2017 model year, the Rapid sedan gets the much needed reverse camera and 16-inch alloy wheels are part of the standard equipment list. The new alloy design also looks sharp and complements the Octavia-inspired design language of the facelifted model.
If you are in the market looking for a sedan on a budget, Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Rapid Rider limited edition at a price of just Rs. 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Rapid Rider edition is based on the base Active trim of the sedan but adds a host of new features to make the model an attractive proposition over its rivals. With the competitive new price tag, the limited edition model undercuts most of its rivals in the compact sedan segment including the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Honda City and even the Volkswagen Vento. The Rider nameplate also makes a comeback in Skoda India's line-up and was previously seen on the first generation Octavia that was sold in the early 2000s.
Pre-bookings are already open for the Skoda Rapid automatic for a token amount of Rs. 25,000 while deliveries will begin from September 18, 2020, a day after the launch.
The last batch of the Skoda Rapid was produced with the matte effect, confirmed Skoda's Zac Hollis. The automaker makes way for the Slavia compact sedan set to debut on November 18, 2021.
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